Archive for March, 2014

An approaching frontal system will make for a wet Saturday but it probably will not rain all of the time. There may even be a thunderstorm. Low pressure developing along the cold front will strengthen and move northeast very close to Hampton Roads. On Sunday as the low pressure system slowly pulls away, a northwesterly flow will develop bringing in cooler air along with a continued chance of showers. On Monday, we should dry out and temperatures will be at seasonal levels. A warming trend is expected during the middle of next week. That’s it for now. Enjoy your weekend, despite the weather!

It seems that there have been some changes in the forecast but there are still uncertainties that need to be worked out regarding the potential storm system during the mid-week period. Here’s what weather forecasters do know. A deepening trough will develop over the eastern part of the nation which basically means that the jet stream will drop south allowing cold air to invade the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States. A disturbance in the jet stream should cause a low pressure system to develop near the Gulf Coast. This system will move northeastward off the Southeast Coast. It will intensify rapidly but it is expected to be too far offshore and to the north to bring heavy amounts of snow to most of Virginia. At least that is the current thinking and that is subject to change. As it looks now, Eastern New England will bear the brunt of the storm with the heaviest snow and highest winds. The storm is expected to undergo bombogenesis which means that pressures are expected to fall at a rapid rate. See my Weather Fact on this subject…. Here in Hampton Roads, forecasters are expecting a mostly rain event on Tuesday with some snow or sleet possible. Any accumulations should be minor and if they occur at all, they will be on grassy surfaces. You should monitor the local media and National Weather Service for the latest forecasts as things could change. Please read my Saturday post regarding the strong March sun and how it affects snow accumulation differences between the daylight and nighttime hours… For today (Sunday), we should see a little rainfall this afternoon as a disturbance moves through. Temperatures will be below normal. The normal high temperature for March 23 is 60 degrees in Norfolk. It should be even colder on Monday despite some sunshine. Precipitation moves in on Tuesday. Once this system moves out, it appears that we will get into a more spring-like pattern later this week but it will probably be an active pattern with rain/showers every so many days. That’s it for now. Have a good day.

Spring arrived on Wednesday but winter seems to want to take one last shot at us next week. Before I get into that, today (Saturday) will definitely feel like spring. Temperatures in the 70’s with some sunshine will make for a great day for most outdoor activities. Winds will be picking up during the afternoon which will raise the brush fire danger. So, please be mindful of that today. A cold front will be moving through the Hampton Roads region overnight tonight. Temperatures on Sunday will be much cooler. A wave of low pressure riding along the slow moving cold front is expected to produce a period of rain Sunday afternoon. We should dry out for Monday, but it will be a very chilly day for this time of year. Then, all interests will turn to a developing low pressure system along the southeast coast. As usual with a situation like this, the computer models show slightly different solutions so the exact track of this system is not certain at this time. Since it is late March, the sun is much stronger than it is during the winter months. The sun is much higher in the sky than it is during the winter. Even when it is cloudy, this impacts any potential snowfall totals. If the snow falls during the daylight hours, it won’t accumulate as much compared to a snowfall that occurs at night. Right now, according to what I’ve read online, it will most likely be predominately a rain event for Hampton Roads during the day on Tuesday with the possibility of some wintry precipitation Tuesday night. However, that is not certain so stay tuned. Areas further north and west may see accumulating snowfall, so if you are traveling, check the forecast before you hit the road or if you plan to travel by plane. The low pressure is expected to intensify rapidly as it moves northeastward. Bombogenesis is expected to occur as it moves off the New England Coast. Please see my Weather Fact on this subject. After the storm leaves, we should see a slow moderating trend in temperatures. The extended forecast from the Climate Prediction Center indicates that we may see much warmer weather as March comes to a close. That’s something to look forward to! That’s it for now. Enjoy today’s mild weather while it lasts. Have a great weekend!

This winter just won’t give up. Just when you think it is safe to put away the ice scrapers and winter coats, another winter storm may be impacting some parts of the Mid-Atlantic States Sunday night and Monday. Let’s first talk about today (Saturday), which will be a spectacular day for this time of year with temperatures about 10 degrees above normal. Meanwhile, a storm system will be developing well to our southwest and will be impacting our weather on Sunday. Clouds will be increasing and rain should spread into the region from the southwest during the afternoon on Sunday. A new low pressure system may redevelop off the coast which will continue the precipitation well into Monday. The main issue with this system is the surface temperatures. Some models are indicating that it will be cold enough for a wintry mix, even into Hampton Roads Sunday night. However, it seems that the NWS is not buying this just yet and is forecasting plain rain for Hampton Roads. Areas to our north and west may get a significant snowstorm so if you are traveling, be mindful of that and monitor forecasts for Northern Virginia. This storm system may bring severe weather today to parts of Eastern Texas and Louisiana including the surrounding areas… March is known for large temperature fluctuations and strong winds and this month is living up to that reputation. Astronomical Spring is less than one week away so hang in there everyone! Have a good weekend!

The Nor’easter that brought heavy rain and strong winds to Hampton Roads on Friday is moving out to sea this morning. The weather today (Saturday) will be quite pleasant and temperatures should reach the low 60’s, which is slightly above normal. This will be a nice break for us as this winter has been relentless. A weak cold front will move through overnight tonight and a cooler air mass will move into the region on Sunday. It won’t be that cold on Sunday but it will be cooler than today. It doesn’t appear that we will see any significant rain with this front but a shower cannot be ruled out Sunday morning. On Monday and Tuesday, temperatures will be warmer. Then, forecasters will be watching a low pressure system and its associated cold front that will be approaching on Wednesday. Right now, it appears that we will see showers on Wednesday but it’s way too early for any details. Cooler weather will most likely follow that system later in the week… In the extended forecast, the Climate Prediction Center is forecasting below normal temperatures later next week into the following week. However, as the days grow longer and the sun climbs higher in the sky, it will just be a matter of time when we will see an end to the miserable winter that we’ve had. We have a nice break today so get out and enjoy it! Oh, and don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour tomorrow as Daylight Savings Time begins. Enjoy your weekend!